Click here if you like this yellowfin tuna fish necklace!
Yellowfin Tuna Fish Hawaiian "Ahi" Carved Bone Necklace
CUSTOM and TRADITION
The Hawaiian name, ahi, refers to both yellowfin and bigeye tuna. In Hawaii, shibi is another name for yellowfin tuna. The yellowfin gains its name because the soft dorsal and anal fins and finlets are bright yellow in color. The dorsal and anal fins lengthen with age. Yellowfin range from the ocean surface to depths below 100 fathoms. Caught year-round in Hawaii's waters, yellowfin tuna is usually most abundant during the summer season (May-September). There are wide fluctuations in the annual catch of yellowfin, depending on whether ocean surface temperatures and other oceanographic conditions favor the migration of ahi schools to within fishing range of the Hawaiian Islands. Yellowfin tuna is landed in Hawaii by commercial and sport fishermen. A large part of the commercial catch is harvested by longline boats, which may search for tuna concentrations up to 800 nautical miles from port and set hooks in deep waters. Landings by the handline (ika-shibi) fleet, based largely on the island of Hawaii, are impressive during some years. Trollers contribute the remainder of the commercial catch of yellowfin, as well as all of the recreational catch. Trophy-sized yellowfin tuna are prized catches in game fishing tournaments held in Hawaii. It wasn't until the 1980s that Americans discovered that all tuna didn't come in a can. Since then, the popularity of fresh and frozen tuna, especially yellowfin and bigeye, has soared. Today, you can find fresh tuna at almost every good seafood restaurant and seafood counter around the country. Seared on a hot grill and served rare, it's a sensational seafood. With annual landings of more than 900,000 metric tons a year, yellowfin tuna is the most valuable tuna resource in the world. The Hawaiian name, ahi, refers to both yellowfin and bigeye tuna. Ancient Hawaiians believed that a bone necklace takes on part of the spirit of those who wear it. In this way, it becomes a spiritual link and should be handed down. The necklace becomes a spiritual link between people, spanning time and distance. A carving that has been worn by family members over many generations contains the spirit of all those people and is truly a great and powerful heirloom.
ISLAND FASHION TIP
Wearing the wrong length necklace with a particular neckline is probably the most common mistake people make when it comes to wearing jewelry. So... that's why we make this necklace adjustable.
THE BONE CARVING
Carving measures 24x61mm or approximately inch x 2 inches. This hand carved bone pendant is from the water buffalo, also known as the carabao. The bone we use is from the femur or large upper thigh bone, which is very dense with little marrow and cartilage. This makes for a better bone substance for carving and results in a higher quality product. The edges are smoothly rounded and the entire piece has a highly polished luster and feels good to the touch. The high density and fine grain of the bone is what gives it the ability to hold such high gloss polish. Over time, your bone pendant will "pick up" sebum, your body's natural oil. This will result in the pendant slowly taking on a slight soft honey golden hue. The more color it develops the more highly it is treasured. After a while your hook will reflect your body's distinctive signature, thus creating a one-of-a-kind necklace. This is one of the great beauties of bone crafted jewelry. Note: Live animals are not harmed in creating this carving.
THE CORD and CLASP
Bone Yellowfin comes on your choice of 2 adjustable soft cotton linen cords black or beige. Both adjust up to 28 inches. The adjustment on the beige cord is made with an oval white bone slider and 2 small round bone grips. The adjustment on the black cord is made with an oval black wood slider and 2 small round wood grips. To wear the necklace simply place the necklace over your head and then adjust the slider bead to the desired length. This makes for a perfect fit for any clothing style.
CARE and MAINTENANCE
The necklace is waterproof and can be worn swimming and at the beach. Rain and swimming will not harm the carving. Swimming with the pendant and then allowing it to dry rapidly in the sun is not good for the carving until it has been worn for 6 months against the skin. Avoid sudden or extreme temperature changes. To keep the shine on you carving slightly buff with a soft cloth once in awhile.
